Asbestos Regulation Changes - What It Means For Irish Employers

3 Apr 2026

In 2023, changes to asbestos regulations were agreed at the EU level, including a tenfold reduction in the allowable level of airborne fibres. Those changes are now in force following the December 2025 implementation deadline, which means the standard employers are expected to meet has officially changed.

What’s changed is how tightly that risk is controlled and how clearly the requirements are set out. Employers are now expected to know what they’re dealing with before work starts and to have the right controls in place from the outset.

What the EU Asbestos Regulation Changes Say

The updated requirements focus on how asbestos work is identified, approved and monitored. The emphasis is on removing guesswork and making sure everything is planned and controlled before anyone is exposed.

That means:

• More asbestos work now requires formal notification, with training records submitted in advance

• Employers must obtain a permit number from the HSA before carrying out asbestos work

• Work must be planned around site-specific risk assessments, with controls designed to meet the current exposure limit

• There is a stronger focus on preventing secondary and passive exposure, not just direct handling

• Workers handling asbestos may need additional training, with updated certification requirements

• Personal exposure monitoring must be carried out across different phases of the work

• More workers are now subject to medical surveillance, with fewer exemptions than before

The reduction in exposure limits is what drives most of this. With less tolerance for airborne fibres, there is less room for error. That’s why planning, monitoring and documentation are all more tightly controlled.

Got Refurbishment or Demolition Work Planned? Talk to OHSS

If there’s any uncertainty about asbestos in your workplace, it’s a reason to stop and get proper advice before work begins. At OHSS, we’ve been protecting Irish businesses from the deadly material since 2001, so we have the expertise and insight you need to guide your hand.

So, if you think asbestos could be present, stop and call the experts on 01 6905907 or enter your details into our contact form.

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